Page 19 of The Romantic Agenda

That wasn’t a joke, but Joy lets it stand like one. Maybe Summer is one of those people who only sees the good in everyone.

Jesus.Not being able to figure her out immediately is giving Joy whiplash. Is she a two-faced demon or a sweet fairy angel? People contain multitudes, sure, but notthatmany.

“How about marble cake with buttercream frosting? I can also make raspberry ganache.”

Summer’s eyes widen. “That sounds fancy.”

“It’s mid-tier for me. Two layers? Three?”

Summer scrunches her nose. “Would three be too much?”

“No, as long as I remember to rotate the pans so the cakes can cook evenly it’ll be fine. Malcolm would never go on an extended trip with a kitchen that didn’t have a stand mixer.”

“So you can bake stuff?”

“No, sohecan. Cooking makes him happy.” Joy wonders why Summer doesn’t know that but doesn’t linger on the thought. “This cake is for a special occasion. One-time-only exception. Vacation meansvacationto me. Clear?”

Summer bounces on the tips of her toes, excitement overtaking her. “Since you’re making it, I’ll buy whatever you need.”

More whiplash.

Joy narrows her eyes. Now where in the hell didusgo?

They traverse the store together, collecting all the ingredients and grabbing some candles. After breezing through the self-checkout line and loading up the trunk, they head back to the cabin.

“Can I ask you a question?” Joy tried for nonchalance, but her voice sounded higher than she’d like. Her nerves lose approximatelyallof their chill when she’s stressed or anxious. Malcolm always teases her about how many tells she has, saying she’d be a horrible poker player. He’s not wrong. Hopefully, Summer doesn’t know that—even though she seems to think she knows quite a bit.

Summer shifts in her seat so she’s partially facing Joy. “Shoot.”

“Don’t you think it’s a little weird that Malcolm’s never mentioned you to me?” Joy glances at Summer to catch her reaction—there isn’t one. “I mean, he tells meeverything, but not a single peep about you.”

“Um, maybe you should talk to him about that.”

“Oh, I will. But right now, I’m talking to you.”

“I see. Well. I don’t think it’s weird.” Summer shrugs. “Considering what happened with you and Caroline.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Nothing.” She answers quickly, eyes wide and innocent as she could probably make them. “Malcolm told me what happened. I put two and two together and figured he wanted to be sure before he brought anyone else around you.”

Wait. What? “Me?”

“Yeah.” Summer nods. “You’re like his family. He wants to be sure new people won’t hurt you like she did.”

Family.The word hits her like a shot to the heart. If anyone else called her Malcolm’s family, she’d roll with it because it might as well be true. But coming from Summer, that word in her mouth feels like a backhanded compliment so good Grace would be proud.You’re like a sister to him, Joy.

One thing’s for sure: Joy isn’t his damn sister.

If that’s how Summer wants to play it, Joy can dish it right back. Summer called Malcolm a “friend.” Someone so indoctrinated in traditional dating values would claim Malcolm if he were hers. She’s definitely the kind of person to correct someone the second she got engaged.He’s myfiancénow. We’re getting married. While using a voice that’s equal parts snotty and sweet.

“For his partners, sure. Not his friends. I mean, that’s what you said, right? You two are friends.”

“We are.” Despite Joy’s panic, there’s no tension between them. No animosity filling up the car. Summer seems fine, relaxed even. “But that’s how it always starts with him, isn’t it? Caroline was his friend first too.”

Joy turns back to the road, hands gripping on the wheel.She knows.

Six